Page 9 of King of Players

Swallowing past a lump that had formed in my throat for no reason, I forced a smile and nodded. “Thanks for coming. Both of you. I really appreciate what you did.”

“Eh.” He waved it off and turned around, letting himself be pulled away from me by the blonde. I watched them maneuver their way toward the exit, and I didn’t know why my gaze lingered.

Without a doubt, Chad Niles was a famous playboy—a true ladies’ man from what I’d gleaned tonight. But tonight, he did surprise me. While most men wanted to earn my attention with their own wealth, power, and personal feats, he chose the most interesting of routes: impressing me by supporting my cause.

The party was a success, if we didn’t count the fact that I was now stuck hosting my cousin’s fiancée in my house at a moment’s notice. Who knew how long she was going to stay, or why she was really here?

Late at night in bed, I caught myself thinking of ways to make Vera understand that my grandmother’s inheritance isn’t going anywhere but towards matters the woman had originally intended—me and the charities.

four

Her World

Chad

Outside, I hesitated. I didn’t want to leave with the blonde. Even though nothing I did had managed to spark Kaira’s interest in me, the party was still going on. Many guests had already left, but I’d noticed that Kaira was being chased around by a red-haired woman, who had evidently just arrived.

Stopping halfway through the walkway, I turned around to my companion, whose eyes froze as I did. “Uh—How did you get here?”

“With my boss?” She shrugged.

“So, no car?”

“His car, his driver. He can take us anywhere.”

“I—I—” Placing my fingertips on my temple, I shook my head and squeezed my eyes shut. “This weird headache just won’t go away.”

“I got painkillers in my purse,” she offered. “Besides, we can go somewhere so loud the beat won’t even let you feel the knocking inside your head.”

“I don’t think so. I’m sorry. I think you should wait for your boss and leave with him.”

“What?” Her face instantly changed.

“I’m really sorry, ah—um—

“Sarah,” she beratingly said. “My name is Sarah. But of course!” Throwing her arms in the air, she looked away for a second. “When everyone knows your name, it doesn’t matter who the fuck they are.”

“Hey, don’t be like that.”

“Or what?” She raised her voice. “You afraid of a scene? Isn’t that your job? Scenes?”

“You’re upset, I get it—”

“I wasted hours on your stupid little bet to score donations.”

“You didn’t even want to come here! What were you going to do? Spend the evening with your old, boring boss and his friends?”

“It’s not up to you what I do with my time!”

“And I didn’t hold a gun to your head, either. You helped me of your own volition.”

“Wow,” she tittered, sarcasm dripping from her lips. “It’s true what they say about you. In real life, you really are an asshole.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Bye, asshole!” She marched away back into the venue, practically stomping her feet as she did.

Clearly, I wasn’t going to follow her inside. But as I contemplated calling for a ride, I saw Abel and Ella stepping out. Riding with them wasn’t exactly ideal, but I didn’t want them to think that I’d ditched them. Smiling, I slid both hands into my pockets and watched them approach.

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